Graduation


Hudson County Community College's
48th Commencement Ceremony

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 10:00 A.M.
Sports Illustrated Stadium
600 Cape May Street, Harrison, NJ 07029

HCCC Graduates at Red Bull Arena

Quick Links

Your Stage Pass  Ceremony Map Guide
Ceremony Program  Live Stream

Information about HCCC’s May 21, 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Hudson County Community College’s 48th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sports Illustrated Stadium located at 600 Cape May St., Harrison, NJ 07029.

Graduates must arrive by 8:30 a.m.

Guests may start taking their seats at 8:30 a.m. and must be seated by 9:30 a.m.

The ceremony will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.

Graduates will enter through Gate B. Graduates will need to have their cap and gowns to enter the area. Guests will enter through Gate C. Guests with disabilities will enter through the Toyota Gate.

Entrance Locations

Driving
The Sports Illustrated Stadium is located at Red Bull Arena, 600 Cape May St, Harrison, NJ 07029.

PATH
Sports Illustrated Stadium is about three blocks from the Harrison PATH train station, one stop away from Journal Square.

Parking
Free parking will be available in the parking lots adjacent to the Sports Illustrated Stadium located on Guyon Drive and S 5th Street. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Additional free parking is available at the nearby Harrison Parking Garage.

There are also metered parking spots and parking lots with a fee in the vicinity of the Arena.

GPS Locations
Please refer to these GPS locations for various parking and drop off points:

Parking
S 5th Street Parking Lots (Free Parking): Guyon Dr. and S 5th Street, Harrison, NJ

Harrison Parking Garage (Free Parking and Shuttle to Red Bull): 890 S 3rd St, Harrison, NJ 07029

Harrison PATH Station (Parking with a Fee): 1000 Frank E Rodgers Blvd S, Harrison, NJ 07029

Drop Off
Uber/Lyft/All Drop-Off: Pete Higgins Blvd, Harrison, NJ 07029
ADA Drop-Off: Pete Higgins Blvd and Crucible Drive

The ceremony will recognize graduates that completed or will complete their degree requirements during the following semesters: Summer II 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer I 2025, and Summer II 2025. Participation in the ceremony is not required.

Students who are taking their final classes in the Summer 2025 are invited to participate in the ceremony even though they have not completed their final classes. Students must complete all degree requirements, however, in order to receive their diploma.

Graduates are allowed to invite an unlimited number of guests! We want this special day to be celebrated by all who love and support our graduates. There are no tickets required.

Guests will be seated in a General Admission style, seats being filled in a first-come, first-served fashion. Accessible Seating is available for guests in various sections and is ticketed. Contact the Office of Accessibility Services regarding Commencement Accommodations at asFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

The event will be live-streamed on the college’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@HudsonCountyCollege) for guests unable to attend in person.

The ceremony will be live-streamed on the college’s YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@HudsonCountyCollege) for guests unable to attend in person.

To watch the livestream, click here!

It is anticipated that this ceremony will run about three hours. The length of time depends on the number of graduates that will be crossing the stage.

Each graduate will be issued a Stage Pass through Tassel (https://hccc.tassel.com). The Stage Pass is a unique QR code for each Graduate which will be used to check grads into the ceremony and will be scan and used to announce graduate’s names when they cross the stage.

Please make sure you have your Stage Pass ready when you arrive to the Sports Illustrated Stadium. You can add the Stage Pass to your phone’s wallet, or screenshot it for easier access.

You can access your Stage Pass by logging into your Tassel account and completing the Ceremony Registration Form at https://hccc.tassel.com.

Tassel is the website platform we are using to collect your ceremony RSVP and your correct name pronunciation as part of the ceremony registration process. All names will be recorded by a professional, which will begin on April 27. Any graduates added to the ceremony after April 27 will have their name read out loud by the Vice President of Academic Affairs at the ceremony.

Visit https://hccc.tassel.com to login or create an account using your HCCC email address.

The graduating class participating in this ceremony will be expected to participate in a procession and a recession.

The procession is the traditional ceremony march at the beginning of the ceremony, where graduates are left by faculty and college dignitaries. The procession will begin at the mid-field point and involves walking to the seats at the end of the field.

The recession occurs at the end of the ceremony, where faculty and college dignitaries lead the graduates out of their seats and off the field, marking the end of the ceremony. The recession will lead students from the seats back to the mid-field point.

When graduates arrive to the Sports Illustrated Stadium, they will be checked in at Gate B by showing their Stage Pass. Please access your Stage Pass and have it ready by logging into your Tassel account at https://hccc.tassel.com.

When graduates enter the Line-Up area, they will be directed to line up within their Academic School. The Academic Schools are: School of Business, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Management, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Nursing and Health Professions, and School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. You do not need to line up in a particular order within your Academic School, such as alphabetical order.

There will also be areas to line-up for special cohorts, such as SGA and Club Student Leaders, Early College, Local 825, and Year Up. 

There will not be any practice or rehearsal for the ceremony. There will be staff at the ceremony to lead you in the right direction. All you will need to do is follow their directions to get you to the right location, and follow the person in front of you when marching to your seats and to the stage.

In order to receive your diploma and graduate from HCCC, you must pass all degree course requirements. Participating in the graduation ceremony does not automatically mean that you have completed your degree/graduated from the college.

At the ceremony, you will receive a diploma cover. You will not receive your diploma at the ceremony. The Registrar’s Office manually reviews each graduate's degree requirements as final grades are being entered. Once this semester’s students are reviewed and approved, graduates will receive an email from Registrar to let you know that your diploma is ready to be picked up from the Journal Square Campus.

All graduating students will receive a free graduation cap and gown set. A cap and gown set will include a black graduation gown, a black graduation cap, a teal and white tassel, and a teal stole with the college logo.

If you did not pick up your cap/tassel/gown/teal stole/academic school cords, we will have some available at the Stadium once you enter the Student Check-In entrance on the morning of Commencement. We will also have the Lavender Stoles and Kente Stoles for those who were unable to attend those ceremonies.

Staff and faculty will be on site to hand out cords/stoles to Phi Theta Kappa and National Society of Leadership and Success Inductees, as well as Hudson Scholar and ESL graduates.

Recommended Dress and Footwear
Your Commencement Ceremony is a very special day where you will be taking many photos and be on camera during the live stream, therefore we want you to be dressed to impress. All graduates will have a cap and gown set that will be worn on the day of the ceremony. You have the ability to wear honor cords and stoles on top of your gown, both provided by the college and those that you may have created and customized. While we encourage you to decorate your cap, you should not customize or alter the gown in any way.

There is no official Commencement dress code, but we encourage you to dress business casual underneath your gown and to be comfortable. Current students can visit HCCC Career Closet if you are in need of free business casual clothes. The event will be a combination of standing and sitting, so make sure you’re dressed comfortably enough for both. Please dress accordingly to the weather, and consider how anything you wear under your gown could impact the way it looks when you zip it up. For example, a puffy skirt is not be the best option.

When entering the arena as the start of the ceremony, graduates will enter mid-field and walk to their seats at the end of the arena. When your name is called, you will need to walk down stairs to cross the stage, and then up the stairs to your seat. Therefore, we highly recommend that you wear comfortable footwear and avoid shoes with high heels, low traction, or shoes that are uncomfortable for you to wear. Commencement Day is not the day to wear new shoes you have never walked in before.

We also recommend that graduates do not bring any personal items with them to their seats, except for their cell phone and small purse/wallet. Graduates are not permitted to chew gum during the ceremony.

Cords and Stoles
HCCC’s various honor societies and leadership opportunities provide items that can be worn at Commencement. These items will be distributed up until the ceremony in various methods. Please communicate with the advisor, faculty, or staff member who oversees the program.

Cords will also be distributed based on your Academic School and if you have earned Latin Honor recognition (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude). Contact graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE with any questions.

Sports Illustrated Stadium is equipped with accessible parking, seating, closed captioning, and other supports. More information at https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/sportsillustratedstadium/ada.

Accessible seating is available in various sections at Sports Illustrated Stadium, offering wheelchair and companion seating on all levels. There will be ushers and staff on hand to assist guests to these seats.

There will be a sign language interpreter at the ceremony in addition to closed captioning.

If you are a graduate or if your guest needs accommodations, it is important that you notate the need on the Ceremony Registration Form and through communication with our Office of Accessibility Services (asFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE).

HCCC will have our college photographers at the ceremony, taking photos that will become available at our Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hudsonccc/albums/

Island Photography will also be at the ceremony to capture each graduate's "moment" as they exit the stage.

Within 48-72 hours after the ceremony, you will be emailed a unique link to view or order your images from your graduation celebration. There is absolutely no obligation to purchase. For further information, please get in touch with us at curtserv@islandphoto.com or 800-869-0908

When completing your Tassel RSVP form, you will be able to submit a photo and message. HCCC will create and provide you with a Personalized Graduate Slide, which you will be able to access, download, and share with loved ones and on social media. This slide may also be shown during the ceremony. The link to access your slide will be emailed to all graduates the week of Commencement.

HCCC’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony Frequently Asked Questions

Hudson County Community College's 48th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sports Illustrated Stadium located at 600 Cape May St., Harrison, NJ 07029. The ceremony will also be live-streamed on the college's YouTube channel and website.

It is anticipated that this ceremony will run about three hours. The length of time depends on the number of graduates that will recognizing crossing the stage.

The ceremony will recognize graduates that completed or will complete their degree requirements during the following semesters: Summer II 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer I 2025, and Summer II 2025.

Consistent email communication will begin in March, where graduating students will receive more information to their HCCC email address about the ceremony including how to RSVP.

Graduates are allowed to invite an unlimited number of guests! We want this special day to be celebrated by all who love and support our graduates. Additionally, the ceremony will be live streamed on the college's YouTube channel to share with your loved ones who are unable to attend the ceremony in person.

We will be distributing your FREE cap and gown set through various events and pick-up opportunities starting mid-April. There is no need to pre-order your cap and gown set, as we have ordered many sets for our graduates. Sizing is based on the graduate's height, and we have plenty of options. There will be the opportunity to order special sizing, if needed.

Accommodations and support will be available for our graduates and guests with disabilities. Accessible seating will be available for both graduates and guests, as well as wheelchairs or assistance getting to their seats. Additionally, we will have sign language interpreters, closed captions, and guides if needed.

When graduates RSVP to the ceremony, they will be able to identify any accommodations needed. A member of our Commencement Committee and Office of Accessibility Services will be assigned to assist those who make any requests.

Yes. There are portrait dates offered in April and May. Appointment links have been emailed to all graduates. There will be a $10 sitting fee to take your pictures, followed by optional picture packages for purchase.

Graduates are not required to participate in any of these ceremonies and events in order to complete their degree requirements and receive their diploma. Similarly, students must complete their degree requirements in order to receive their diploma.

Yes, you can! You are included in the email outreach and the ceremony program. You will not receive your diploma until you complete all of your degree requirements and are confirmed by the Registrar office. 

Fall 2024 Graduate Information

Look out for an email from Registrar when your diploma is ready. The Registrar’s Office manually reviews each graduate's degree requirements as final grades are being entered. Once this semester’s students are reviewed and approved, graduates will receive an email from Registrar to let you know that your diploma is ready to be picked up from the Journal Square Campus. If you like, you can choose to have your diploma mailed to you.

For any other questions or concerns about your diploma, email registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

HCCC hosted two December Graduate Receptions for our Fall 2024 graduates. Click below to see photos from the two events.

December 12, 2024
December 13, 2024

Loved your time at HCCC and want to stay involved or receive Alumni perks? Visit https://www.hccc.edu/community/alumni-services/index.html to sign up for the Alumni Association and find out your Alumni benefits!

All Fall 2024 graduates are highly encouraged and invited to participate in HCCC’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, which will take place at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ. At this official ceremony, all graduates will cross the stage in their cap and gown in front of their loved ones and fellow graduates. Graduates will have an unlimited number of tickets for guests for the 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

The date for the May 2025 Commencement Ceremony has been announced and will take place on Wednesday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. Communication to all graduates with details will be emailed to their HCCC email address from graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Our Fall 2024 graduates are allowed and invited to take part in any and all May ceremony and related celebratory events, such as Graduate Portrait opportunities, cap and gown pick-up, Formal dinner and dance, and more.

Important Note: Graduates are not required to participate in any of these ceremonies and events in order to complete their degree requirements and receive their diploma.

If you have any questions, please email graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Information for Graduates

IMPORTANT!!!
Please note you must DOWNLOAD the Graduation Application and use Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out the form. Please save the graduation application to your computer and email it to registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE as an attachment. 

This document collects the name that you wish to be displayed on your diploma and confirms your degree program. Please indicate in the box of the graduation application how you would like your name to appear on the diploma. This is the same way it will appear in the Commencement program.

If you are unsure if you have submitted your Graduation Application, or for any questions related to this Graduation Application, please email Assistant Registrar Upasana Sethi-Pagan at usethi-paganFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Click here for the Spring 2025, Summer I 2025, and Summer 2 2025 Graduate Applicant List. Please note that this list is only accessible to individuals with HCCC login credentials. For any questions regarding the list, please email registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Please note, in order to complete your degree and graduate from HCCC, you must pass all degree course requirements. Being a Graduate Applicant and participating in a graduation ceremony DOES NOT automatically mean that you have completed your degree and graduated from the college.

Click here for the Fall 2024 Graduate Candidate List. This list of students have completed their degree requirements as per the Registrar's Office. Please note that this list is only accessible to individuals with HCCC login credentials. For any questions regarding the list, please email registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

For information on graduation deadlines and requirements, as well as information on receiving Diploma Replacements, visit https://www.hccc.edu/administration/registrar/graduation-requirements.html.

Graduates of Summer I 2023 and prior year degrees:

Your diplomas are available for pick up at the Journal Square Campus A Building, 70 Sip Avenue, Jersey City. Please bring your State ID. Note that you must return any borrowed technology (such as a Chromebook or Hot Spot) before you can receive your diploma. You can pick it up or request to have it mailed. Diplomas that are mailed may take a minimum of 2-3 weeks to arrive.

For any other questions or concerns about your diploma, email registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Learn about HCCC’s Alumni Services at https://www.hccc.edu/community/alumni-services/index.html

Join the Alumni Association: https://www.hccc.edu/community/alumni-services/alumni-update-form.html

Students are allowed and encouraged to wear as many cords and stoles with their cap and gown as they have earned. Different cords and stoles distributed by the college are:

Academic Schools

  • Yellow Double Cord - School of Business, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Management
  • Red Double Cord – School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Green Double Cord – School of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Double Blue Cord – School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Latin Honors (Graduating with Honors)

  • Double Gold Cord - Summa Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 3.85 to 4.0)
  • Double Silver Cord - Magna Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 3.65 to 3.84)
  • Double Bronze Cord - Cum Laude (cumulative GPA of 3.45 to 3.64)

Other cords and stoles distributed include:

  • Alpha Alpha Alpha - Students inducted into HCCC's Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha will receive a dark blue and silver cord.
  • Alpha Sigma Lambda - Students inducted into HCCC's Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda will receive a white stole with the ASL logo embroidered on it.
  • ESL - Students who started at HCCC as English as a Second Language learners and completed the path to graduation receive a dark purple cord.
  • Hudson Scholars – Students who are a Hudson Scholar will receive a teal and purple braided cord.
  • Kente Graduation – Students recognized as part of the Kente Graduation receive a Kente cloth stole handcrafted from Ghana.
  • Lavender Graduation – Students recognized as part of the Lavender Graduation ceremony receive a stole with the Pride Flag.
  • National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) – Inductees of NSLS receive a black and silver cord.
  • Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) – Inductees of PTK receive a gold stole with the PTK logo and a gold tassel.
  • Sigma Kappa Delta (SKD) – Inductees of SKD receive a green and yellow cord.

The Office of Student Life and Leadership aims to schedule opportunities for Graduate Portraits during the Fall semester and the Spring semester. Students who take their portraits will receive their proofs with the option to purchase photo packages. Information regarding dates will be sent to you from graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.

Herff Jones is offering HCCC coupon codes for class rings! To order your college ring please log on to: https://collegerings.herffjones.com/

PROMO CODES:

  • $100 OFF Austria and Extreme Silver: ENTER CODE: HJDD2024$100
  • $125 OFF White Ultrium Ring: ENTER CODE: HJDD2024$125
  • $300 OFF 10K Gold Ring: ENTER CODE: HJDD2024$300
  • $400 OFF 14K Gold Ring: ENTER CODE: HJDD2024$400
  • $500 OFF 18K Gold Ring: ENTER CODE: HJDD2024$500

Hudson County Community College’s Office of Communications needs your help in identifying unique and exceptional graduate student stories to use in publicity for the upcoming Commencement ceremony as well as future marketing materials.

HCCC’s Office of Communications will be pitching these stories to media during the Commencement season and would be pleased to hear from students willing to be interviewed. Some past noteworthy stories covered by media included students who:

  • Were age 50 or older while studying at HCCC
  • Had served in the military
  • Had relatives on HCCC staff or of HCCC alumni
  • Were family members graduating together
  • “Beat the odds” (earned a degree despite an obstacle, disability, etc.)

For more information please contact the Office of Communications at (201) 360-4060 or email at communicationsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE or visit the Tell Us Your Story page.

Contact Information

Contact Registrar at registrarFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE for questions about your graduation application, course completion towards earning your degree, diplomas, and related topics.

Contact Student Life and Leadership at graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE for questions related to the Commencement ceremony, graduate portraits, graduation celebration events and related topics.

For any questions, please email graduationeventsFREEHUDSONCOUNTYCOMMUNITYCOLLEGE.